Black heritage society Historical Milestones

• On January 21st, 1978, under the leadership of BHS’s founder and president Mr. Ovide Duncantell, Black Heritage Society historically established the first-ever Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Parade celebration in the United States. The father of Dr. King - Rev. Martin Luther “Daddy” King, Sr., served as the parade’s grand marshal and special guest.

• On this same day, a street dedication was established to change South Park Blvd. to what is now known in Houston, Texas as Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., and a 5-gallon oak tree was dedicated and marked for a future project commemorate the legacy of Dr.King.

• Over 30 years later after the planting of the oak tree (now known as the “Tree of Life”), the city of Houston began to work on a future railway project, adjacent to the location of what is now the Houston MLK, Jr. Memorial Plaza

• Under the Houston City Council’s resolution 80-265, Black Heritage Society was successful in negotiating for what is now known as the Houston MLK, Jr. Memorial Plaza at MacGregor Park, and is curated by the Black Heritage Society’s MLK, Jr. Memorial Project Fund. In addition, this provided an award 1 million dollars the preservation of the plaza.